Union Initiated Obstacles that Limit Discretionary Power of Mid-Level Managers of the Social Security Administration

The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine union initiated obstacles that Social Security Administration (SSA) mid-level managers face in using discretionary power. Managers should be aware of the bounds in which they operate in order to adequately negotiate decisions, which ultimately seek to serve public needs and promote workplace democracy. In examining the limitations of discretionary power I emphasize the importance of contractual restrictions by focusing on the elements of collective bargaining and grievance resolution. The intent of contractual obligations is to promote participative leadership and equality. However when management is stripped of certain discretionary powers strong disincentives result, encouraging laissez-faire leadership. Awareness of hurtles that contractual restrictions and corresponding historic adjudicative actions will enable managers to alter their leadership style and approach, while resisting the temptation to resort to laissez-faire leadership